Gary Neville gives worrying Lisandro Martinez verdict following Man United defeat to Brentford

14.08.2022 - 12:03 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Gary Neville has expressed his concerns over Manchester United's decision to sign Lisandro Martinez this summer.

Martinez signed for United for an initial fee of £46.8million, rising to £55.3m, last month and the centre-back joined the club on a five-year contract, with the option of an additional year. Martinez had previously spent three seasons with Erik ten Hag at Ajax.

The 24-year-old was well regarded in the Netherlands, but eyebrows were raised when United first registered their interest in signing him because of his stature. Martinez stands at a diminutive 5ft 9in and he's the smallest centre-back in the Premier League.

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Martinez started against Brighton on the opening day of the season and he also started against Brentford on Saturday. Brentford successfully targeted Martinez in the first half of the match and their physicality gave them an edge over the Reds.

United conceded four goals in the first half and Martinez was substituted at the break. It was a spineless performance from United and Neville delivered his verdict after the game, explaining that it was too easy for Brentford to target Martinez.

"It's difficult for a 5ft 9in centre-half away at Brentford, very difficult and I think he's [Ten Hag] seen that," Neville told Sky Sports.

"When I saw them swap in the first half with Harry Maguire and the long throw, I thought that's what used to happen when [Gary] Pallister had to swap with me. If you're having to swap positions at centre-back, to compensate for the other one, it's just not great.

"That's what continually happened, they did target him in that first half."

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